Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Reggie Bush is either not very smart or he's not telling the truth. Because the brewing controversy regarding the house his mother and stepfather leased, rented,borrowed,had squatter's rights to INSERT OTHER BULLSHIT STORY HERE from a would-be sports marketer angling to steer Reggie to an agent doesn't pass the smell test. Not even close.

In his latest comments on the situation, Bush said it was "kind of funny" how the whole situation was "blown out of proportion." Really? I can think of a lot of things about this story, but if you're a USC fan facing an NCAA investigation, funny probably doesn't come to mind.

Bush then goes on to say his parents "leased a house like any other parent" but then declined to say who paid the rent. Uh...is this sort of arrangement really how most parents do it? Guess again. Besides, they're not "most parents." They are the family of the best college football player in the country. So even IF this "lease" was on the up-and-up, don't you think Reggie might have had this conversation:

PC: Gee, thanks for telling me that, Reggie. Because on the surface, that could look really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really bad. Thus, it was smart of you to tell me up front so it doesn't potentially hurt the program and those of us who see how that might look incredibly, incredibly, incredibly, incredibly, incredibly, incredibly stupid.

But wait, you say. Reggie didn't know, right? Because it only gets worse when Bush's attorney tries to explain it away with that excuse: "Reggie Bush was a full-time student at the University of Southern California and never lived in the house. As is the case with most 20-year-old college students, Reggie was not aware of personal or financial arrangements relating to his parents or their house."

So, besides the conversation above, I guess that means this little chat never took place either:

Seriously, folks, common sense here. And keep in mind, this is coming from a site that has been very supportive of USC in the past. But, as mentioned, this doesn't pass the smell test. Not even close.

I guess the reason I get so upset about situations like this is, like Michigan's Fab Five fiasco, punishment, if meted out, never falls on those that cause the problem. Instead, the hammer comes down only on innocent student-athletes (and the fans) left behind to deal with the mess. Chris Webber is a multi-millionaire while Michigan basketball is only just starting to recover from his deeds of over a decade ago.

Same goes here. If rules were broken, Reggie Bush will be in the NFL counting his millions and buying his family an even bigger house. But like a rude houseguest, all the clean-up will be done and faced by others.

Finally, we hate to give anybody any ideas and start another billboard controversy but...

Yost- I think you got it about right. As a long time USC fan and alum, I'm pissed today. Whether we get a slap on the wrist or some stronger punishment, this puts tarnish on what has been a golden era of USC football. These boys have put in blood, sweat and tears into a three year run that was simply amazing.. and they don't need this crap.

But hey, as long as that great win against Michigan in the Rose Bowl three years ago still counts, I'm happy..... (haha)

Tank Black, the reason "why" is because it's ILLEGAL ACCORDING TO THE NCAA. In the real world, sure, that might not seem crazy (though if you have "friends" spotting you $800K, you're probably doing something illegal already), but those are the rules for the world in which that family lives, and they know it. And that's why everyone gets their panties in a bind. Or to make this more relatable: Let's say you really like kiddie porn. You, Tank Black, LOVE kiddie porn. But it's pretty illegal in the society in which you (presumably) choose to live. So, theoretically at least, you are smart enough not to satisfy your near insatiable cravings for kiddie porn, right? Because you understand and respect the laws that govern you?

Tideintx, I thought about trying to argue with you, but I'm not stepping to anyone who uses the term "scholly." It makes me feel like such a n00b.

One thing you've missed if you haven't been reading the San Diego Union Tribune articles:

The "wannabe sports marketer" is on the staff of Sycuan Tribe. This tribe runs a large Casino in East San Diego. We all know how the NCAA loves gambling interest in their sport.

Oh -- how many people who lease houses are there when the driveway is poured so they can etch their names in it like the Griffins did? What -- they arranged for the lease while it was under construction? No problem on its own, but with the rest of these revelations it adds to the "smell test" problem.

And how come all the Griffin family's phone numbers changed (according to the paper) when this whole thing came out?

Why did LaMar Griffin decline comment if this was an innocent lease? If my kid was a sports star and a journalist asked about my home, I'd say -- "Listen man, I rent this place and pay a fair price -- go ask the landlord and leave me alone." Instead, they just clammed up.

Then, their lawyer's first statement? -- was it "The Griffins paid fair rent!" Nope. It was essentially "Reggie Bush is not involved with his parents leasing matters.."

Anon#2, I think you hit the nail right on the head. The polygraph test measures people's reactions when confronted with a situation. And while I don't want to get into the flaws of the polygraph system, anyone who says "I didn't murder that guy" when you ask them how their day has been does not pass the smell test.

Anon#1, I'm going to speculate what those three dots mean after your quote: "They leased the house" illegally in an attempt to benefit financially from their sons athletic success. But then again, that's just speculation.

I like the kid "Mr.President".but I have grave reservations on the team that Coach Caroll puts out. Arrest, fighting, extremley anti- social behavior. The NCAA won't tag them for anythig minor or major.The NCAA is too busy making ure that nicknames are politically correct, not who's tbing paid illegal inducements. They are a quasi non for profit orgganization with $650 million in their coffers. GoBig Blue. Go Irish.ef the rest of 'em

Michigan 2004 Rose Bowl Champions?Is there any way that USC forfeits all games in which R. Bush played? If yes, does that then mean that U of M is the de facto 2004 Rose Bowl Champion? Not sure what happens in such a case. (I know U of M Hoops forfeited its wins with Webber, but not sure if the losing teams actually got Ws or if everyone just lost . . .)

1. Reggie, where are the cancelled checks for the house payments? We ask this because bringing these forward will clear everything up.2. Why did your family move out immediately after your mom was questioned by the reporter? Most people believe innocent people don't run away from their houses. Yesterday on ESPN you said that she moved out because you were buying her a new house. But then you said that house was too expensive even for you. So if she doesn't have a new house, why did she move out of this one? Where is she living now?

3. Why did you avoid answering these questions and others on the ESPN interview yesterday?4. How did your mother, a security guard, afford to live in a $757,000 house?5. What is your relationship with Michael Michaels?

You idiots have no credibility WHAT SO FING EVER! Reggie is a classy kid and didn't do a thing. There's no evidence about this witch hunt and that's exactly what it is a witch hunt. You just wish it was true because this is the only wya you can take shots at the mighty BOYS OF TROY. We destroyed you in the Rose. 14 points doesn't do justice to our win. Your site is a disgrace to blogs everywhere.

I agree with Trojanmike--mountain or molehill, this puts a tarnish on our four-year run. I've tried to be fair on this site (even though it hurts a bit right now) and I hope I continue to do so: As I've stated, if his parents were indeed found to have done something improper, I would sue the crap out of them. They know better as all parents (and alums) are considered agents of the university and must behave accordingly. Because it is difficult to police parents and alums, I think they should be held individually responsible for their actions and suffer the consequences for the damage caused to the school (if the school is innocent). I also don't think Mzone has at any time gotten glee from something like this happening to any school. Just funny comments which, under the circumstances, is probably the best way to look at it. I guess we'll see what happens.

If Bush's family is found to be guilty...i dont think this will be swept under the rug. Nor a wrist slap. Otherwise, you might as well just let the players make any deal they want while in school..or just let their parents. Cant punish Reggie...the NCAA HAS to send a Harsh message that 'this wont be tolerated' - ban from bowls, losses of scholorships...

Follow the MZone

Subscribe To

The MZone-slash-MichiganZone.net-slash-MichiganZone.blogspot.com is in no way affiliated with the University of Michigan and/or U-M football in any way. If you thought it was, frankly I'm surprised you know how to use a computer.